Sunday, May 02, 2010
Tanna Island Worshipers of Prince Philip
In the United Kingdom, Prince Philip may play second fiddle to his wife, the Queen of England, but on the tiny South Pacific island of Tanna, he’s a god. And the people of Yaohnanen can’t wait for his return.
Prince Philip’s deity status began as a result of a trip he took to the island of Tanna, part of the nation of Vanuatu, in 1974. Then, he shook hands with some Tanna men, and presented the island with a framed portrait of himself. Latter exchanges between the two parties, including a hunting club presented to Philip, helped build the idol worship of the man who holds the title back home of Duke of Edinburgh.
The Yaohnanen claim Philip promised to return to their island some day, more specifically June 10 of this year. While the Duke, who turns 89 that day, has not promised to do so, the tribal people are planning a festive welcome if he does show next month.
-Noel Brinkerhoff
South Pacific Tribe Preparing for Return of ’God’ Prince Philip (by Bonnie Malkin, Telegraph)
Strange Island: Pacific Tribesmen Come to Study Britain (by Guy Adams, The Independent)
Prince Philip, They Hardly Know Ye (by Nick Squires, Christian Science Monitor)
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